An Easy Change

By Hilary Gibson, Staff Writer

How many times have you been stuck
in traffic and have had a certain, terrible thought run
through your mind, “I really should have gone to the
bathroom before I left work, but I was in such a hurry
to get home, and now I’m stuck in traffic, and I’m about
to explode!” A mixture of panic and dread come over
you, not to mention the horrible, physical feelings and
side effects from “holding-it-in.” Why such a
graphic description? These same feelings of anxiety
happen to lots of physically challenged children every
day, several times a day, with many of them unable to
physically get up and run to the bathroom at a moment’s
notice.

Aside from the thousands of daily
things a caregiver must do for a physically challenged
child, the issue of using the restroom occurs several
times a day (and night). There is certainly nothing easy
about one of the most demanding tasks a caregiver and
their loved one can share. It can be an extremely
sensitive and touchy subject for children who have
mobility problems and who want to strive for their own
independence, just as every child does. So, how can a
physically challenged child achieve independence while
being able to go to the bathroom without a drawn-out
ordeal? Luckily, the advent of several products
for incontinency has helped to make the issue of going
to the bathroom a less stressful one, especially for
kids who are unable to physically get to the bathroom.
The once taboo topic of bedwetting has
“come-out-of-the-closet” thanks to companies who have
created products designed for both physically challenged
children and those who only have the issue of
bedwetting. Through their informative commercials and
ads, the general public is beginning to understand and
accept the issue of children and incontinency.

There are many types of disposable
undergarments to choose from, with all sorts of
different specialty features available, designed for
comfort, fit, and fashion. There are undergarments that
are made for use during the day, and those with
extra-absorbency made for nighttime use. Some
undergarments are open-sided with adjustable Velcro
straps that stay in place, providing a better fit, plus
making it much easier for caregivers to help their loved
ones fasten and unfasten them, unlike the old buttons
and straps that used to be available. Most of these
undergarments come with elastic leg gathers, so that the
chance of leakage is far less, making cleanliness much
more of a possibility. You can also purchase disposable
undergarments that work as pull-ons or as conventional
diapers, depending upon the level of independence and
mobility of your child, as well as which one is easiest
for you. Some of these disposable undergarments even
have a soft, cloth-like cover that prevents the
crinkling noise that can sometimes happen, and allows
better ventilation, making it healthier for their skin.
Available also, are disposable undergarments that
feature a wetness indicator, a special fecal barrier,
tear-away sides, and sizes that range from extra-small
to extra, extra-large. Many of the incontinency products
available are also designed with different activities in
mind, such as swimming. You’ll find either disposable
swimming trunks or wash-n’-wear that can be used more
than once. Both come available in different sizes and
colors, with the ability to let water flow in and out,
while retaining solids.

Keeping a child with physical
challenges in a clean environment has always been a
challenge, but with better products available and with
continued advancements and improvements, caregivers and
their kids are able to feel more confident. Products
such as chair pads are waterproof and help to keep
wheelchairs, furniture and car seats free from leaks and
stains. There are also waterproof mattress covers as
well as disposable underpads that not only have
waterproof backing, but also feature a soft,
super-absorbent top layer, which also offers good
protection from accidents. Along with all of these
products that help protect furniture, mobility
equipment, and cars from leaks and accidents, let’s not
forget about the items that can help protect your
child’s skin from the irritation that so often
accompanies accidents and leaks. Skin care items such as
a foaming skin cleanser and disposable wipes with aloe
can help quickly clean the skin, and moisture-barrier
creams and ointments help prevent rashes and other skin
irritations.

With all the products available
today, incontinency and the other challenges of going to
the bathroom need not be an issue of embarrassment or
dread for children or for their caregivers, but rather a
normal function that everyone has in common.